Guinness Premiership

England fullback Delon Armitage's participation in the November internationals is under threat after he suffered a dislocated shoulder during Sunday's 40-10 Guinness Premiership victory over Gloucester.

Armitage was helped from the pitch in the 61st minute of London Irish's emphatic victory at the Madejski Stadium. An update on the 25-year-old, England's most dynamic player since making his debut last November, is expected on Monday with Exiles head coach Toby Booth reluctant to give a timeline for his return.

"Delon has a suspected dislocated shoulder and he's gone to hospital. We'll know more tomorrow," said Booth.

"Delon is a tough cookie so he will front it out. I have no idea how long he'll be out. Losing Delon for any amount of time would be massive, he's an international fullback and we want him on the pitch.

"Touch wood it's not too serious and we'll get him back soon."

With dislocated shoulders typically taking six to 12 weeks to heal, Armitage could miss England's November fixtures against Australia, Argentina and New Zealand. He joins Riki Flutey as a doubt for the November series at Twickenham, while Leicester's Toby Flood has already been ruled out following surgery on his Achilles problem.

Armitage's injury took the shine off an otherwise excellent bonus-point victory in a match that saw six yellow cards. Gloucester head coach Bryan Redpath lamented the poor discipline that meant his side were shown four yellow cards.

He said: "We were down to 14 men for the majority of the second half and you're not going to compete like that."

With thanks to the Guinness Premiership.